How to Solve 6x6 Sudoku for Kids

Know the 4x4 Sudoku rules? A 6x6 grid uses the numbers 1 through 6 exactly once in every row, column and box. The boxes change shape: each is two rows tall and three columns wide. You never need to add the numbers.

Ask before checking the answers

Which six cells belong to the top-left box? Which number is missing there?
Once you fill row 1, column 3, what number is still missing from row 1?
How can you check row 1, column 4 against its column and its box?

Two cells, two different clues

In this original example, only row 1, columns 3 and 4 are empty. It is not the answer to any of the published Sudoku worksheets. The thick borders show the 2-by-3 boxes.

Before: find row 1, columns 3 and 4
1	2	?	?	5	6
4	5	6	1	2	3
2	3	4	5	6	1
5	6	1	2	3	4
3	4	5	6	1	2
6	1	2	3	4	5

After: row 1 has 3 and 4
1	2	3	4	5	6
4	5	6	1	2	3
2	3	4	5	6	1
5	6	1	2	3	4
3	4	5	6	1	2
6	1	2	3	4	5

Use the box. The top-left box (rows 1-2, columns 1-3) has 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Only 3 is missing, so row 1, column 3 is 3.
Use the row. Row 1 now has 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Only 4 is missing, so row 1, column 4 is 4.
Check both. Column 3 has 3, 6, 4, 1, 5, 2; column 4 has 4, 1, 5, 2, 6, 3. Each uses 1-6 once. The top-right box (rows 1-2, columns 4-6) contains 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, also without repeats.

Try a real 6x6 puzzle

Browse the 6x6 Sudoku collection or try Easy 6x6 Sudoku 1. Its printable sheet also includes an adult answer key, so keep that page aside while a child solves. Return to all Sudoku puzzles for other sizes.